While New Kids on the Block and Backstreet Boys have been selling out arenas touring together, a new-generation boy-band is quickly emerging to garner an equally intense reaction from their tween following.

Straight out of the 2009 Nickelodeon television series that spawned it comes Big Time Rush, a prefab pop package that filled Pacific Ampitheatre Friday night, proving once again that no matter the decade or how many times it’s been done, boy-bands are always winners.

“What’s up, O.C.? Who here watches BTR on Nickelodeon?” Logan Henderson, one of the foursome, asked the screaming crowd.

The group - also including Carlos Peña Jr., James Maslow and Kendall Schmidt - provided a clean, family-friendly hour of entertainment. Boys and girls of all ages, many sporting homemade Big Time Rush T-shirts and holding up signs, squealed at the tops of their lungs for the new sensation, who acknowledged the volume in the venue: “I’ve never had a show like this before. You guys are incredible!” Carlos said before another uproar.

The G-rated night seemed to be enjoyed by all, from parents (like the Offspring's Noodles Wasserman, who brought his kid) to teenagers and the smallest (yet loudest) of their fans. From more danceable songs (“Famous,” “Big Night,” “City Is Ours”) to slower-paced acoustic versions of “Stuck” and “Worldwide,” BTR captivated devotees, who for the most part remained standing, so as not to miss a beat.

The band’s playful and constant interaction with the audience had people clapping and waving their hands back-and-forth, the little ones bouncing around to no end. But it was especially felt when they asked everyone to raise their hands and pose for a picture with them, as they turned their backs toward the crowd. (They returned the favor by posing for a few seconds while camera flashes lit up everywhere, mine included.)

“Worldwide” was enjoyed on a more personal level by a young female fan named Mia, handpicked by the group to join them onstage and stand in for all fans, to whom the song was dedicated. It was heartwarming to see her mouthing the lyrics yet continuously placing her hand over her mouth, unable to hide how in awe she was at that moment.

The parents in attendance, who were plenty, received a dedication of their own with the band’s acoustic cover of the Beatles’ “I Want to Hold Your Hand.” Living up to the Beatles' gold harmony standard doesn’t come easy, but the boys of BTR fared well, each voice shining individually and together, proving they can certainly sing. It wasn't hard to get caught up in the wholesome scene of it all and envision yourself skipping down the beach in slow motion, holding hands with the guys.

It was telling and amusing to see how each heartthrob made the girls swoon, the screams fluctuating every time their favorite crush was featured on the side screens or had a solo moment. But Henderson’s freakish similarity to NKOTB’s babyface Joey McIntyre is what really tripped me out.

The band also introduced their newest material, “If I Ruled the World” (which came out on iTunes that same day) and “Boyfriend,” a collaboration with Snoop Dogg. “How many of you are looking for a boyfriend?” they asked. Needless to say there were more than enough volunteers on hand.

Their choreography followed the boy-band trend, with moves, simple and in unison, that had the crowd loving it, cheering them on and dancing themselves. It was fun to watch each guy make his way past security onto some stairs to get closer to the fans, before quickly getting escorted back for fear of things getting out of control, Bieber style.

Chants of “Big Time Rush!” and “We want Rush!” (which some prog-rock fans might find hilarious) brought the foursome back on stage for an encore performance of their series' theme song, “Halfway There,” with a sea of people jumping along with them.

“Much love, O.C. We love you guys,” one of 'em said. Cheesy or not, it was also nice, safe entertainment -- a perfect close to a cool summer night out for families.

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